This means that the placenta (after birth) is partly or completely covering the neck of the womb. This condition affects approximately 1:250 pregnant women. The scan in early pregnancy may diagnose a "low lying" placenta, which means the placenta may be near, or covering the cervix (the opening to the womb). In the majority of these cases as the pregnancy progresses the placenta grows away from the cervix. Occasionally the placenta stays partially or completely covering the cervix. In these circumstances the obstetrician will need to discuss delivery by caesarean section with you.